With Nigeria trailing Bafana Bafana and co. in their race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, new Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle expressed confidence in being able to lead the side to the competition.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finalists currently sit fifth in their qualification group, two points behind Lesotho and four points adrift of Benin, South Africa and Rwanda.
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Chelle, who was officially unveiled as the national team's new manager at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, is optimistic about the quality within the Nigerian camp and its potential to secure a spot at the World Cup set to take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
"This is an amazing opportunity for me," the 47-year-old tactician said at his unveiling, as quoted by Brila per Soccernet.ng.
"I'm so proud to take on this role and coach the most populous Black nation in the world. Our Super Eagles have the chance to qualify for the World Cup, and I truly believe it.
"We need to establish better management structures and adopt effective techniques. We must be aggressive and focused."
The former Mali national team coach also shed light on his footballing philosophy, his love for Nigeria, and his vision for the team moving forward.
"I love attacking football; this is my philosophy. Football is about scoring goals. When I was young, Nigeria was my favourite team.
"I bought the jersey and watched every game. During the World Cup in France, I was in Marseille watching the matches. This is the team—my team," the coach revealed.
"I know the expectations of the Nigerian people, and I am ambitious. I want to win. I'm here to make things right."
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Having fired a warning to their Group C rivals, the Super Eagles face crucial fixtures in March when they go head-to-head with Rwanda and Zimbabwe in their pursuit of a ticket to the global showpiece.